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1. How do I appeal my assessment?

The Board of Assessors is responsible for hearing all initial property appeals. If you feel your home is a) over assessed or; b) disproportionately or unfairly assessed compared to other similar property assessments or; c) taxed incorrectly as a commercial rather than residential property or residential rather than commercial property, you must file an appeal with the Board of Assessors on an approved form. Appeals may be filed with the Board of Assessors after the third quarter tax bill is issued. The third quarter bill is typically issued the last week of December. All appeals must be received by the Assessors on or before the first business day in February. The Assessors will reply to your appeal within three months after the date you filed the appeal.

2. What if my appeal is denied?

The decision of the Board of Assessors may be appealed by filing an appeal with the Appellate Tax Board in Boston. Your appeal must be filed within three months of the Board of Assessors decision. Please note that the Board of Assessors’ notice of decision contains the decision date. This is the key date, not the date you may have received the notice or when the notice was mailed. Contact the Appellate Tax Board in Boston for further information regarding filing requirements.

3. Am I eligible for property tax relief of some sort?

The Board of Assessors annually approves over $175,000 in property tax relief. Relief may be granted because of age, marital status, physical infirmity, or veterans status. Exemptions typically have conditions that must be met. Please contact the Board of Assessors for specific information. All information we request from you is kept in the strictest confidence and is not available to the public. One additional program to pursue is the Town’s program that allows senior citizens to provide a service to the Town in return for a $1000 tax credit. Contact the Department of Elder Services for more information on the program.